FERNANDO TORRES could make a shock return for Liverpool next week – but Rafael Benitez fears another potential selection headache in defence ahead of the crucial trip to Manchester City.
Torres has been absent since limping out of the FA Cup third round replay defeat to Reading on January 13 with a knee injury.
The Spaniard underwent an operation in Barcelona and was originally expected to be sidelined for six weeks.
But the striker was back running in training on Tuesday, raising hopes he could be available for the crucial Premier League visit to near rivals City on Sunday week.
Liverpool, though, are mindful of rushing Torres back into action and manager Benitez will only consider handing the player a return if he is fully convinced by his fitness.
Torres has made only 19 starts in all competitions during an injury-hampered campaign but remains Liverpool’s leading scorer with 12 goals.
While the news on Torres is encouraging, Benitez is sweating on the possible absence of Jamie Carragher.
The defender hobbled off shortly after half-time of Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat at Arsenal after suffering an adductor problem.
Benitez later described the injury as “not serious” but Liverpool are awaiting results on a scan.
Early indications are that the centre-back is unlikely to be risked for the Europa League tie against Unirea Urziceni next Thursday.
But with Sotirios Kyrgiakos still to serve two games of his domestic suspension, the absence of Carragher from the Eastlands encounter three days later would stretch resources at right-back.
Read the article on Liverpool Daily Post
Liverpool FC latest: Fernando Torres may make shock return for Manchester City showdown
FERNANDO TORRES could make a shock return for Liverpool next week – but Rafael Benitez fears another potential selection headache in defence ahead of the crucial trip to Manchester City.
Torres has been absent since limping out of the FA Cup third round replay defeat to Reading on January 13 with a knee injury.
The Spaniard underwent an operation in Barcelona and was originally expected to be sidelined for six weeks.
But the striker was back running in training on Tuesday, raising hopes he could be available for the crucial Premier League visit to near rivals City on Sunday week.
Liverpool, though, are mindful of rushing Torres back into action and manager Benitez will only consider handing the player a return if he is fully convinced by his fitness.
Torres has made only 19 starts in all competitions during an injury-hampered campaign but remains Liverpool’s leading scorer with 12 goals.
While the news on Torres is encouraging, Benitez is sweating on the possible absence of Jamie Carragher.
The defender hobbled off shortly after half-time of Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat at Arsenal after suffering an adductor problem.
Benitez later described the injury as “not serious” but Liverpool are awaiting results on a scan.
Early indications are that the centre-back is unlikely to be risked for the Europa League tie against Unirea Urziceni next Thursday.
But with Sotirios Kyrgiakos still to serve two games of his domestic suspension, the absence of Carragher from the Eastlands encounter three days later would stretch resources at right-back.
